Ava

Ava Williams is the founder and editor of FoodishTalk, a home-cooking blog where bold flavors, seasonal ingredients, and approachable techniques come together. A self-taught cook and food photographer based in Hillsboro, Oregon, Ava started FoodishTalk in 2018 as a digital recipe box for family favorites. Since then, it has grown into a lively community for home cooks eager to explore global flavors with everyday ingredients.

Through step-by-step guides, mindful cooking tips, and her monthly “Cook-Along Challenge,” Ava helps readers feel confident and creative in the kitchen. Her passion lies in making cooking both exciting and accessible, while fostering a shared love for food that connects people across the table and around the world.

Latest from Ava

$- Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook evenly and stay moist. If you prefer, chicken thighs also work well. - Butter: Use unsalted butter for this recipe. It allows you to control the salt level, enhancing the dish's flavor. - Herbs and Spices: - Thyme: This herb adds a warm, earthy taste. - Smoked paprika: This spice gives a lovely smoky depth. - Onion powder: It adds a sweet, mild onion flavor. - Additional Ingredients: - Chicken broth: It builds a rich, savory base for the sauce. - Lemon juice: This brightens the dish with a fresh zing. - Parsley: Fresh parsley adds color and a fresh taste. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions! To make garlic butter chicken, start by seasoning the chicken. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick. Sprinkle salt, pepper, dried thyme, smoked paprika, and onion powder on both sides. Make sure each piece is well-coated. Next, let's melt the butter. Use a large skillet and set it over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Wait until it melts and bubbles. This means it's ready for the chicken. Now, cook the chicken. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on one side. When they turn golden brown, flip them over. Cook the other side for the same time. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This ensures it's safe to eat. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. Let's make the sauce. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt. Then, add minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes. You'll know it's done when it smells fragrant but not burnt. Now, pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Stir well to mix everything. Scrape any browned bits from the bottom. This adds extra flavor. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 3-5 minutes. This helps it reduce and thicken. Finally, return the chicken to the skillet. Spoon the garlic butter sauce over it. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat everything through. Your garlic butter chicken is now ready to serve! For a detailed recipe, check out the Full Recipe. How to prevent chicken from drying out To keep your chicken juicy, don’t overcook it. Cook it until it reaches 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Also, let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the juices spread within the meat. Tips for ensuring garlic doesn't burn Garlic can burn fast, which makes it bitter. Cook it on medium heat and watch it closely. Stir it often and remove it as soon as it turns golden. This way, you keep all its tasty flavor without the bitterness. Best side dishes to pair with garlic butter chicken Garlic butter chicken pairs well with steamed vegetables, like broccoli or green beans. Fluffy rice is great too, as it soaks up the sauce. You can also serve it with a crisp salad for a fresh touch. Plating ideas for appealing presentation When plating, place the chicken in the center of the plate. Drizzle the garlic butter sauce over the top. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color. You can also add a side of vegetables or rice around the chicken for a nice look. {{image_2}} You can easily swap out chicken breasts for thighs. Thighs have more fat, giving juicy flavor. If you're plant-based, try tofu or tempeh. Both will soak up the garlic butter sauce well. For butter, use olive oil or coconut oil for a dairy-free option. These choices keep the dish rich and tasty. You can also try vegan butter, which works great in this recipe. Adding veggies makes this dish even better. Bell peppers add sweetness and color. Mushrooms bring an earthy taste that pairs well with garlic. Sauté them in the skillet before adding the chicken for extra flavor. If you like it spicy, try red pepper flakes or hot sauce. Just a pinch can turn up the heat. Adding these spices brings a fun twist to the classic garlic butter chicken. For the full recipe, check out Garlic Butter Chicken Delight! To store leftover garlic butter chicken, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the chicken juicy and fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. Properly stored, it can last for three months in the freezer. When reheating, I recommend using the oven or stovetop. These methods help keep the chicken moist. If using the oven, set it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15 to 20 minutes. For stovetop reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to the skillet. This adds moisture. Heat it over medium-low heat. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, turning the chicken occasionally. To refresh flavors, drizzle a bit of lemon juice before serving. This will brighten up the dish. Enjoy your garlic butter chicken, even as leftovers! Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen chicken. But, you must thaw it first. Thaw it overnight in the fridge. If short on time, place the chicken in cold water for a quick defrost. Once thawed, follow the recipe as usual. What can I do if I don't have chicken broth on hand? If you lack chicken broth, use water with added seasoning. You can mix water with a bit of soy sauce. This gives a nice flavor. Vegetable broth is also a good substitute. Overview of calories, protein, and other nutritional facts Garlic butter chicken has about 350 calories per serving. Each serving packs around 30 grams of protein. It also provides essential vitamins from garlic and herbs used. Healthy modifications: Making it lower in calories To lower calories, use less butter. You can replace it with olive oil. Opt for skinless chicken thighs for more flavor with fewer calories. Adding more veggies can also help boost nutrition. Can this recipe be made in the oven or slow cooker? Yes, you can bake the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes. Keep the garlic butter sauce to pour on after cooking. For a slow cooker, cook on low for 4-5 hours. Is it possible to grill the chicken for a smoky flavor? Absolutely! Grilling adds a nice smoky taste. Marinate the chicken in the garlic butter sauce before grilling. Cook it for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Enjoy the unique flavor! This blog post covered key ingredients, detailed steps, and helpful tips for making garlic butter chicken. You learned the best cuts of chicken, the right way to season, and how to make a tasty sauce. Remember to avoid burning garlic and to keep chicken juicy. Try using alternative proteins or adding veggies for a twist. Store leftovers properly and refresh flavors when reheating. Enjoy exploring this dish, and happy cooking!$

Garlic Butter Chicken Savory and Simple Delight

Are you ready to spice up your dinner routine? In my latest post, Garlic Butter Chicken: Savory and Simple Delight,

$To make creamy smothered chicken and rice, gather these key ingredients: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 cup long-grain white rice - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley for garnish For this recipe, you will need: - A large skillet - A cutting board - A sharp knife - Measuring cups and spoons - A spoon for stirring - A lid for the skillet If you need to make swaps, here are some easy options: - Use chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner choice. - Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter dish. - If you don’t have peas and carrots, use any mixed veggies you like. - For a gluten-free option, check that your broth is certified gluten-free. These ingredients and tools will help you create a rich, creamy dish that warms the heart. For the full recipe and detailed steps, check out the Full Recipe link. First, gather your chicken thighs. Season them with salt, black pepper, and paprika. This adds great flavor. Let the chicken sit for about 15 minutes. This short wait helps the spices soak in. While the chicken rests, you can chop the onion and garlic. These will add depth to your dish. Grab a large skillet and heat some olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion. Cook it until it turns translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and stir for a minute. This releases a lovely aroma. Now, add the seasoned chicken thighs to the skillet. Brown them for about 4-5 minutes on each side. They don't need to cook all the way through yet. Just get a nice golden color. After browning, take the chicken out and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the rice. Stir it well to coat it in the oil and juices. Toast the rice for about 2 minutes. This step adds a nutty flavor. Now, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Mix everything well and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Add the browned chicken back to the skillet. Toss in the frozen peas and carrots. Stir to combine all the ingredients. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes. Check it occasionally to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom. When the rice is tender, sprinkle dried thyme over the dish. Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Adjust the seasoning if needed. Now, you are ready to serve your creamy smothered chicken and rice! For the full recipe, check out the instructions above. To get juicy chicken thighs, start with seasoning. Use salt, black pepper, and paprika. Let them marinate for about 15 minutes. This step adds great flavor. Heat your skillet with olive oil over medium heat. Brown the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side. Don't worry about cooking it through; we will finish cooking it later. The secret to a creamy dish lies in the heavy cream and chicken broth. When you add the rice, make sure to coat it well in the skillet. Toasting it for a few minutes helps build flavor. When you mix in the liquids, bring it to a boil first. Then, reduce the heat to a simmer. Covering the skillet helps trap steam, which thickens the sauce. Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice pairs well with simple sides. Try a fresh green salad for crunch. You can also serve it with steamed veggies for color and nutrients. For a heartier meal, add some crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Enjoy your meal with a glass of white wine for a nice touch! {{image_2}} You can use many proteins in Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice. If you want a twist, try boneless turkey thighs. They add a nice flavor. For a seafood version, shrimp works well, too. Just cook it until it turns pink. You can also swap chicken for tofu. It absorbs flavors well and provides a great texture. To make this dish vegan, replace chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or cauliflower. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For creaminess, swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. You can also add chickpeas for protein. They blend well with the spices and cook quickly. This way, even plant-based eaters can enjoy a creamy bowl. To make your dish pop, add flavor boosters. Use fresh herbs like basil or rosemary in place of dried thyme. A splash of lemon juice brightens the dish. For heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. If you love garlic, throw in extra minced cloves. You can also mix in a splash of soy sauce for depth. Experiment with these options to make it your own. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. To keep your creamy smothered chicken and rice fresh, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors intact. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, use the stove or microwave. If using the stove, heat it in a pan over low heat. Stir it often to warm it evenly. If using a microwave, place it in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot. You can freeze creamy smothered chicken and rice for easy meals later. First, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It’s best to use it within three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above for the best taste. Yes, you can make Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice ahead. Simply prepare the dish as directed. After cooking, let it cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to three days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Add a bit of broth or cream to keep it creamy. This makes it easy for busy days. Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is tasty on its own. However, you can pair it with some sides for balance. Here are a few ideas: - Steamed broccoli - Garlic bread - Mixed green salad - Roasted vegetables These sides add color and nutrition. They also complement the creamy dish well. To serve more people, simply increase the ingredients. Double or triple the chicken, rice, and other items. Keep the same cooking times, but check for doneness. You may need a larger skillet or pot. Ensure there's enough space for everything to cook evenly. This way, everyone can enjoy this creamy, comforting meal together. For the full recipe, check the earlier sections. This blog post explored creating Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice with ease. We covered key ingredients, essential tools, and helpful substitutions. I shared step-by-step instructions to make your dish perfect and tips for cooking techniques. You learned about protein variations and storing leftovers properly. Now, you have all you need to whip up a tasty meal. Enjoy the process and the great flavors this dish brings to your table!$